Greg is backing a campaign to encourage people to give to genuine registered charities after being bowled over by the kindness of people in the constituency during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Charity Commission, the Fundraising Regulator, Action Fraud and Trading Standards have joined forces to make giving safe by offering clear advice.
It comes as regulators receive reports of scammers targeting vulnerable people, for example by posing as fundraisers collecting money for charity, who are diverting vital funds away from genuine causes.
Greg highlighted the fact that charities, including those working across the constituency, are forming a core part of the nation’s response to the pandemic.
He is encouraging people to support registered charities, at a time when many face an increased demand for their services, such as the National Emergencies Trust (NET) national coronavirus fundraising appeal. It was launched to raise funds for local charities, including in Buckingham, responding to the pandemic.
There are more than 500 charities with a registered address based in the constituency and many more national charities that are dealing with the pandemic and continuing to do important work throughout the country to support vulnerable people and communities. By giving to a registered, regulated charity, people can have assurance that their funds will be accounted for in line with charity law.
Action Fraud and Trading Standards have received reports of fraudsters seeking to exploit the pandemic by targeting vulnerable people, for example posing as charity volunteers offering to help with shopping, offering fake virus testing, or claiming to be raising funds for charity. To make sure you give to registered charities:
Check the charity’s name and registration number at gov.uk/checkcharity. Most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered.
Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information – it’s ok to decide not to give on the spot. Be wary of unsolicited emails from charities you have never heard of and be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them.
Exercise the same caution as with any other internet transaction, for example, to donate online, visit the charity’s own website and always type the website address into the browser yourself.
Contact or find out more online about the charity that you’re seeking to donate to or work with to find out more about their spending. Ask a trusted friend, neighbour or relative if you are unable to research this or need a second opinion.
Ignore requests to donate through a money transfer company.
If in doubt about an approach, give to a charity that you have an existing relationship with.
Greg said: “I have been heartened and to witness the generous community spirit that people across the constituency and have demonstrated since this crisis started hitting. I would like to thank all those who have been looking out for vulnerable neighbours and friends. I also want to encourage those who are able to donate, to support registered charities helping to relieve those most in need, and to be vigilant against charity scams. Together, we can look after those who need our help, and ensure this terrible situation strengthens our community”.
Baroness Tina Stowell, Chair of the Charity Commission, said: “British people have a proud tradition of charitable giving, and this pandemic is already giving rise to that spirit of charity that brings people together. We want to ensure that people do so safely and in the most effective way possible so that people in need get help. We encourage everyone wanting to donate money to follow our simple steps to check that they are donating to a registered charity. By giving to a registered charity, the public can have assurance that their funds are regulated by the Charity Commission.
Lord Toby Harris, Chair of the Fundraising Regulator,said: “Charities are a lifeline to many local communities and play a vital role in supporting people across the UK. We encourage the public to continue to give generously throughout these difficult times. Unfortunately, we have heard of some individuals who have used the Coronavirus outbreak as a means of defrauding the public, so we urge you to check that an organisation is legitimate before you give to it."
NB - the photograph accompanying this article was taken before the COVID-19 social distancing measures were introduced.